Taylorian 2020

68 Williams, Niels Redman and Moses Ng) playing a Bach trio, a powerful vocal solo of ‘Ave Maria’ from Theo Berenzweig, and Alexander Kerley and Harrison Robb’s duet of ‘Suscepit Israel’ from Durante’s ‘Magnificat’. Thursday allowed for some independent sight-seeing which included the Rialto Bridge, the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, and even taking a gondola around Venice. That evening was the first of our open-air Piazza concerts in Jesolo. The audience loved our packed programme, and, when we started singing Verdi’s ‘Chorus of theHebrewSlaves’, immediately joined in, singing and humming along to a national favourite. Our time in Venice was already up, and the next morning we went to Lake Garda by coach. Some chose to go on a motorboat trip round the lake; others consumed gelato, took a dip in the clear waters, or simply relaxed in the sun. That evening we enjoyed a challenging quiz organised by Mrs Taylor. On Saturday we visited the medieval city of Verona, famous as the setting of Romeo and Juliet. We explored the city and visited Juliet’s house before heading to the Verona Arena to take our seats on the top row of the amphitheatre for Bizet’s opera ‘Carmen’. With a cast of hundreds, H aving arrived in a swelteringly hot Lido di Jesolo, we had a meal of classic Italian pasta and decided to take an evening stroll out on the promenade to get a taste of the area. Just five minutes into our walk, the heavens opened, causing Harrison Robb (wearing his flip-flops) to slip on the wet tiles and crash to the ground. With that saga, we decided to call it a night. The next day we caught the vaporetto to Venice. To escape the heaving Piazza San Marco, we embarked on a walking tour which took us away from the usual tourist locations and through the back streets of Venice. Our guide recounted fascinating stories, including the staggering cost of a gondola and how thewhole of Venice is built upon wooden stilts. After tea, we headed to the iconic St Mark’s Basilica to participate in one of their evening masses. This was a true highlight of the tour; it was an honour to sing in such a renowned cathedral. On the next day, we took a private boat trip for the Three Islands tour. Burano, famous for its brightly coloured fishermen’s houses, was our first stop, and there was plenty of time to explore the picturesque town, enjoy gelato, and browse the many shops selling papier-mâché masks. Back on the water and on our way to Murano, the island of glass- making, there was time for an impromptu performance of ‘Sh-boom’ from the Thomas White Singers at the bow of the boat before we disembarked to watch a live glass- blowing demonstration where the sculptor created the most delicate swan from molten glass in amatter of moments. After lunchwe returned to Venice to prepare for our next concert. As the boys navigated themselves to Santa Maria dei Miracoli Church, a water taxi was organised to save Mr Couldridge hauling our heavy piano over hundreds of bridges. As the time of the concert edged nearer, and with both the piano and Mr Couldridge missing in action, we received a text message informing us that the taxi had dropped Mr C and the piano off at the wrong church. Immediately a piano rescue team (the Sixth Formers) were dispatched to locate them. More brilliant musicianship was on display for this concert, which included the Chamber Ensemble (Ethan eight horses, and five harpists, it was an unforgettable production that ran on into the early hours of the morning. Everyone was looking forward to a trip to the Caneva Waterpark on the last day. However, Mother Nature was not on our side, and it was raining. Although there were cries of disappointment when we were informed the park was shut, we managed to arrange tickets to Caneva’s sister theme park, Movieland. Filled with rides and experiences all inspired by major films, it was a great way for everyone to enjoy themselves before our last concert of the tour at Santi Zenone and Martino Church in Lazise. On the journey back, the music from the church carried on into the coach with everyone belting out favourite pieces (a little less tunefully). Overall, disregarding two small visits to hospital for minor injuries, this was the finest and most successful choir trip I have been on. Thanks are owed to all the staff who were involved in organising the tour (especially Mrs Stubbs, Mr Couldridge, Mrs Taylor, Ms Trafford and Mr Hobson, who accompanied us) and to our tour guide, Katherine. Everyone would agree with me in saying that this was the highlight of the summer. Joshua Winyard (U6) Trips Trips Chamber Choir trip to Italy